News 8
Dallas funeral home holds vigil for Michael Jackson 
11:59 AM CDT on Monday, June 29, 2009
>DALLAS - The outpouring of grief over Michael Jackson's death has been astounding.
In Dallas, hundreds nearly overwhelmed a funeral home, to attend a vigil to honor the late pop star.
By the hundreds, fans packed a Dallas funeral home to reflect on Michael Jackson.
"He's been my escort through life, through my ups and my downs," said one woman.
It was part memorial service, part festival, organized by John Beckwith Jr.
With a family in the funeral business, he understands grief.
"We knew it was something we had to do to help us through the grief," Beckwith said.
Few had their lives changed by the singer than one man, who is called Michael Jackson.
He was named after the pop star.
His mom chose the name, he says, while hearing a Jackson song during child birth.
"It has brought me a long way with that name, from elementary to college, that name has made an impact on my life," he added.
The 27-year-old now works at the Golden Gates Funeral Home, and occasionally sings, preferring gospel over pop.
He humbly says the Jackson comparisons end at the name.
"People expect more by hearing that name, they look at the icon Michael Jackson and not this Michael Jackson, so when I start singing they can tell the difference," he said.
Still, the singer motivates him, using the name to try and build his own.
"It has uplifted me in many ways," he said, as it has so many, from a voice that clearly touched millions.
E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com.
